Sites!

What did I learn today?  Firstly, before I even arrived I had about 10kms from Kawakawa to Paihia to reflect on my poor decision today to not stop at Towai to get gas.  The 10km drive with the fuel light on meant I started my DFI course slightly on-edge!

Sites.  Today I found my way around my Google site.  Adding buttons, linking sites, snipping and adding links to website.  Navigating around the maze trying to avoid deleting anything accidentally.

I have learnt how to create and use buttons - these are amazing!  They make the site look organised, tidy and functional.  I think these make it a more user-friendly zone.  What a mission.  Isn't it amazing how fixated we become on certain things.  I never realised how important buttons would be to me!    I think having time to spend on my site has made me feel more confident and willing to embrace the tool.

I added a comment box for my blog!  I am now not only letting the outside world in, but letting them comment!  Although, I did restrict what they can say.  Gag order?

I made a page for my Form Class - it needs work but I think it will be awesome when it is finished.  If you want to see what the site looks like just click on the image!

https://sites.google.com/boic.school.nz/r112019/home

What do I need to do this week?  Homework?!
Read and comment on someone else's blog.

Youtube

Today I have learnt how to create a Youtube channel and add videos to it.  I have also had a play with Google slides, I made a slideshow to illustrate my journey to Taipa.  I found linking the slides challenging and think in the future I would map the entire story out prior to starting on the slides.

I think I could have the students create slides within the class as part of their reading responses.  Instead of a written report I could look into having a more creative outlet for their responses.  They could add texts, symbols, images and videos.  In theory I could have them add videos of themselves talking about the text and finding images to represent the key ideas, ie symbols.

I think the slides can be personalised using colour, font etc which will make the experience more enjoyable for them.  By giving them the tools to use the slide easily I can imagine the engagement will lift.  Maybe this is something I need to try and include next year in the Junior English programme.

Confidence?  I think using digital tools to create experiences for my students is something I will take baby steps towards.  So far I feel confident using some of the tools, but I am fully aware that I am barely scratching the surface.  Although, I got stuck today and found an amazing video on Youtube which helped me create my 'pick a path' story on Google slides.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXmy5Ng8rpQ

I think looking at my seniors I would like to see them using my Youtube channel to help them filter down options for the responses and connections assessment.  Guiding them might reduce stress for them trying to think of what text to use, instead if I have a Youtube channel of songs, poems, short stories, documentaries etc it will give them a solid foundation of texts to select from.

Workflow - emails are labeled and sorted.  No more spam!  No more shopping emails cluttering up my inbox.

Overall, it's a work in progress!

Conquering Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts!

Today I managed to create an event, send an invitation and join my event!  I envision how this could be used to run study groups - 10 minute short, sharp discussions with students.  I can see them using it to share ideas and create events to present their speeches etc.  What a tool!

12. 6.19

DFI 12.6.19

Thoughts, ideas and my reflections

Today I learnt how to use Google Hangouts.  Learning a new skill is hard and frustrating, but when it all clicks into place you feel so proud of yourself.  I managed to click on every available button before I worked out how to create a new 'Hangout' space.  Once I figured out how to create the meeting spot I invited colleagues to participate.  Next time I will take on a different role to ensure I learn lots of new skills and challenge myself.  

What do I feel confident using?

1.  Hangouts - create a group, join a group, send invites, present and share my screen.  Notes - do not try and do this in a room with lots of people, it is way too noisy.  Speak normally.

2.  Filters - organise my emails into groups.  Set filters so I don't have to wade through thousands of emails.  

3.  Using hangouts to create an online study group - we could share ideas and present information without having to physically be in the same place.  This could be used to have pre-exam revision discussions etc.  Below is  the videos hangout session I had today...it was a learning experience. 

4.  Blogging - after reading the student blogs I realise how we could use this for the reading responses in Level 1 and 2.   Students could upload videos of themselves discussing the texts, or use voice to type to write their blog.  I am confident that I could make this a really fun and exciting learning activity.  I think the students would enjoy having their own space to write, reflect and think about their learning.  

• What did I learn that increased my understanding of Manaiakalani kaupapa and pedagogy?
• What did I learn that could improve my confidence, capability or workflow as a professional?
• What did I learn that could be used with my learners?  
• What did I learn that could improve my confidence, capability or workflow in my personal life?

Professional Development - DFI

What did I learn? 

Reflections, thoughts and queries.

I feel that today I know how my students feel when they start a new subject or a new topic.  Uncertain?  Unsure?  Overwhelmed?  Putting yourself out there and signing up for PD around utilising technology is scary. I don't think I am the only one feels they sometimes just don't get it.  Technology is not something I have ever been super excited about.   However, one day in and I am so pleased that I signed up.  I think today has been some of the best PD I have been to since I started teaching.  Practical and user friendly. 


Google docs - creating folders and looking at the sharing settings.
Using the headings settings - adding a table of contents - This will be perfect for my senior classes when it comes to research.  It will help them organise and structure their reports. 
Adding links, adding images, editing images!

Using Google docs - this was really useful and has motivated me to spend more time exploring the settings and tools that docs has.

Add comments - assign questions to individual students and send an email to notify the person.
This session has reminded me of the 'speak to type' feature.  I trialed this with a number of students and encouraged them to use it.  Potentially I need to challenge them to all trial it.  I am confident this will assist them with their writing.  I currently use the read aloud app offered on docs.  I found they liked this and were keen to use it.  I encourage the students to investigate audio books via youtube, Kobo and now Wheelers. 

Using a table - making the border the same colour as the background.  It seems so logical but it is something I haven't really thought about...This was a really good thing to stop and actually think about.  Sometimes I think when it comes to technology we are so focused on the big things that the little things slip under the radar!

Using the explore tool on the Google doc - perfect for using with a class on a guided tour.  I think this needs to be something I run a little 'How To' with my senior classes.  I think the students would benefit from not having to leave the doc to find information - stop them from becoming distracted by other sites or go off on a tangent. 

Remove BG
How to remove the background on a photo - incredible app which can be used for both evil and good!  Thinking Christmas cards edited to make it look like a herd of animals?   This could be an invaluable tool with Level 1 Static Image.  Keeping the images crisp and clean.

Omnibox - is not the search bar thingy.  It is funny how we have

Something I am thankful for?  Being forced to learn how to touch type at high school!  I think with all of the apps available that encouraging students to bring their device and engage with the learning opportunities using their device is so important!  By developing my knowledge of docs today I feel I will be able to create learning opportunities which will be more engaging. 

Create?  PNG - no white background!